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Thread: Step One Nears

  1. #1
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Step One Nears

    ...not a solution to gay discrimination and repression, but movement towards inclusion in Thai society...and that, I suppose, is positive...

    Thailand could become the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex civil partnerships

    By Helen Regan and Kocha Olarn, CNN
    Updated 4:44 AM ET, Thu July 9, 2020
    People walk past a reflection of the Gay Pride Month logo projected on a giant screen in downtown Bangkok on June 17, 2020.

    Bangkok, Thailand (CNN)Thailand's Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that will legally recognize same-sex civil partnerships and give greater rights to same-sex couples, a potential first for any nation in Southeast Asia if passed into law.

    If ratified by parliament, it would make Thailand only the second place in Asia to allow for the registration of same-sex unions after Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage last year.

    While it doesn't go as far as endorsing same-sex marriage, the Civil Partnership Bill allows same-sex couples to legally register their union, a significant move in what remains a largely conservative nation. Under the draft bill, same-sex couples can adopt children, claim inheritance rights, and jointly manage assets such as property for the first time.

    Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokesperson, said it was a "milestone for Thai society in promoting equality among people of all genders."

    "The Civil Partnership Bill is an important step for Thai society in promoting equal rights and supporting the rights of same-sex couples to build families and live as partners," she said in a Facebook post.


    The bill defines civil partners as couples born with the same sex. To register, couples must be at least 17 years old and at least one of the pair must be a Thai citizen -- meaning foreign same-sex couples will not be able register their partnership in Thailand. Those under the age of 17 must get permission from their parents or legal guardian. The bill also covers rules for separations.

    The bill, however, stops short of approving same-sex marriage and the proposed legal amendments don't grant same-sex couples all the rights and benefits provided to married couples.

    Some within the LGBTQ community say the bill doesn't go far enough as civil partnership is not marriage.
    "The civil partnerships bill isn't a milestone for gender equality in Thailand, instead it's an obstacle to reach marriage for all," said Tattep Ruangprapaikitseree, 23-year-old LGBTQ activist and Secretary-General of progressive youth organization Free Youth.

    Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, filmmaker and first trans member of parliament under the Move Forward Party (MFP), said not included in the bill is entitlements to spousal benefits such as tax exemptions and social security benefits, and medical rights.
    "Why not just call everyone, both traditional and non-traditional couples, as married partners, why does a special term have to be assigned to LGBT as 'civil partner'," Tanwarin said.


    MFP is campaigning to amend Thailand's marriage laws by changing the terms "husband and wife" to "married partner" to be more inclusive of all gender identities.

    "This is another form of discrimination in disguise," Tanwarin said. "We don't want anything special we just want to be treated like others."
    The draft bill still needs to go through a public hearing and the House of Representatives will debate and vote on it. If it passes the bill will go to the Senate for another vote, a process that could take months.

    Outwardly, Thailand has a reputation for being friendly toward gay, lesbian and transgender people -- especially when compared to some of its Southeast Asian neighbors -- but the reality is often different.

    There are laws that prohibit discrimination but many local LGBTQ people say they regularly face prejudice and even violence. Thailand is a conservative society and there is stigma associated with going against traditional family values. Often gay, lesbian, transgender and queer people are limited to working in the entertainment industry or feel they must hide their sexual orientation at work.
    Majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd

  2. #2
    RIP
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    I thought the rainbow flag was for key workers in lockdown..

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    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chittychangchang View Post
    I thought the rainbow flag was for key workers in lockdown..
    ...your thoughts are frequently opaque...

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    Excommunicated baldrick's Avatar
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    They could just abolish marriage and then this issue would not exist

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    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
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    Is 'civil partnership' same as marriage, when did marriage become taboo, and do offenders get jail or banishment?

    Help keep us old folks safe, we need to be updated on current acceptable language.

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    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jabir View Post
    Is 'civil partnership' same as marriage
    ...definitely not...an important local distinction prevents non-Thai partners from receiving Thai government benefits. There are a number of petty discriminatory restrictions as well...it's an unsatisfactory compromise to allow the swamp Poo Yai and Khun Ying a face-saving slap against the folks they like to ignore, harass or laugh at in local movies...

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    Thailand Expat Saint Willy's Avatar
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    A possible positive step, but then again, Indonesia was pretty tolerant of LGBTQI+ 20 years ago and dangerously discriminatory now.

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    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    ...^that's the problem with Muslim countries...they can turn on a dime...

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    Thailand Expat helge's Avatar
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    Yeah, look at Sudan.

    They changed for the better.


    When I first came to Thailand, I was amazed how( it looked like that to me) accepted the trans were.

    First men in dresses with a bit of moustache that I ever saw.


    I was allowed to take pics

    Therefore I took Thailand for a very liberal country, on that subject

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by helge View Post
    Therefore I took Thailand for a very liberal country, on that subject
    ...and you were mistaken...

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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...and you were mistaken...
    I guess many of 'us' are in that we see gay people everywhere in Thailand (I guess I'm talking about the more cosmopolitan areas) and just assume everything is fine and better than in most places . . . homosexuality is till illegal in Sg and MY, for example.

  12. #12
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by panama hat View Post
    I guess many of 'us' are in that we see gay people everywhere in Thailand (I guess I'm talking about the more cosmopolitan areas) and just assume everything is fine and better than in most places . . . homosexuality is till illegal in Sg and MY, for example.
    ...you get a hint of the current state of public perception of gays by watching a Thai comedy or two: fem gays are invariably included in casts for comedic effect. I have yet to see gays portrayed as academics, police or military officers, high-ranking politicians or in any situation of national importance...so, everything is decidedly not fine in the swamp, but is, in fact, still mired in the usual morass of hierarchical and elite-reinforced Thainess...gay status in SG or MY is irrelevant...

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    Good for Thailand, I hope this passes through.. it is about time that SEAsia gets with the times.

    Proud to be Canadian on this issue considering I believe it was the first country to legalize gay marriage.

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    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MarilynMonroe View Post
    Good for Thailand, I hope this passes through.. it is about time that SEAsia gets with the times.
    Still resolutely not actually reading threads, then.

  15. #15
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    gay, lesbian, transgender and queer people
    I consider myself open minded, but I'm not quite sure what to do about the queer folk.

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    Nowt as queer as folk.

  17. #17
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sabang View Post
    I consider myself open minded
    ...do other people (like queer folk) consider you open-minded?...a liberal attitude is fine, but the subject of this thread is the law, not individual preferences...so, cross the street to avoid those threatening trannies...

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    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    While it doesn't go as far as endorsing same-sex marriage, the Civil Partnership Bill allows same-sex couples to legally register their union, a significant move in what remains a largely conservative nation. Under the draft bill, same-sex couples can adopt children, claim inheritance rights, and jointly manage assets such as property for the first time.
    Not much different to a marriage.

    Anyone entering into a Civil Partnership should get a prenup agreement.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Norton View Post
    Not much different to a marriage.
    ...if that's the case, why not go all the way and legalize gay marriage? A hesitant 3/4 step to the goal doesn't ultimately cut it, but for now, I suppose and given the usual fog that passes for local thought, it's probably enough...

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by baldrick View Post
    They could just abolish marriage and then this issue would not exist
    Good point

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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...do other people (like queer folk) consider you open-minded?...a liberal attitude is fine, but the subject of this thread is the law, not individual preferences...so, cross the street to avoid those threatening trannies...
    Plus you dont get pick pocketed from the fuckers. When you tell em you only stepped out to find a refreshing ale or 20 when you decline there kind offer of some blurter action.

  22. #22
    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...if that's the case, why not go all the way and legalize gay marriage? A hesitant 3/4 step to the goal doesn't ultimately cut it, but for now, I suppose and given the usual fog that passes for local thought, it's probably enough...
    .... 'a rose by any other name would smell as sweet'....

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    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...not a solution to gay discrimination and repression, but movement towards inclusion in Thai society...and that, I suppose, is positive...
    What discrimination do you encounter on a day to day basis.?

  24. #24
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chico View Post
    What discrimination do you encounter on a day to day basis.?
    ...our US-approved marriage isn't recognized locally...SD's colleagues are allowed to add their spouses to a very generous health and dental insurance benefit program...he isn't...

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    Days Work Done! Norton's Avatar
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    Will a Civil Partnership allow you to be added?

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